'Think Verstappen would have won world title more easily in a Ferrari'

With great dominance, Max Verstappen drove to his second Formula 1 world title this season, but the big question is to what extent he owes this to his RB18 or to his own capabilities. While we have heard many an expert say that Verstappen simply had a much better car at his disposal with the RB18 than Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, Renger van der Zande is of a different opinion.

The F1-75 from Maranello is the best car this year in qualifying, yet on Sunday Leclerc and Carlos Sainz often lose out. The Ferrari car demands a lot from its tyres, so the Italian team often has to deal with early pit stops while Verstappen still manages to complete many laps.

World Cup title thanks to RB18 or thanks to Verstappen?

Van der Zande, however, suggests in the Ziggo Sport Race Café that it has not only to do with the car's characteristics but mainly with Verstappen's specific qualities. "I wonder how equal it is. Leclerc takes pole nine times, that's over one lap. Making the difference in the race: that's what Max does with saving tyres that kind of thing. Especially if you look at where Perez is driving. That's really driving behind. I think Max gets a lot out of that car."

The Dutch IMSA driver continued his account by stating, "I don't know what would happen if Max drove a Ferrari." Asked for an answer by presenter Rob Kamphues, he says: "I do think he would drive away from the front easier than he already does. I think the Ferrari is just a bit better than the Red Bull.